The Sidings is Taking a Short Break
But There’s Still Plenty to Enjoy.
The Sidings has become a much-loved destination for great food, coffee and time spent with family and friends. As we undertake essential maintenance and improvement works to our unique railway carriage venue, we’re taking a short pause to ensure The Sidings remains a special place for years to come.
This important investment will help protect and preserve the character of the venue while creating an even better experience for our guests when we reopen.
In the meantime, we’d love to welcome you to one of our alternative dining experiences, all located right here at Carriages.
Continue Your Journey With Us
Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, coffee and cake, or a special meal with friends and family, we have a range of experiences available while The Sidings is being refreshed.
HIgh Tea at Carriages
We’re still honouring our afternoon tea bookings and serving our much-loved Afternoon Tea every Saturday and Sunday at Carriages.
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of delicious treats.
Al’Fresco by carriages
This summer, we invite you to experience Sunday lunch a little differently.
As the warmer months arrive, we’re taking a moment to pause our traditional Sunday roast service in the restaurant and instead welcome you to Al’ Fresco by Carriages. Our outdoor dining experience, where live-fire cooking, fresh seasonal ingredients and relaxed summer gatherings take centre stage.
Our seasonal menu has been thoughtfully created to showcase the best flavours of the summer. With dishes inspired by fire, smoke and the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Join us every Sunday throughout the summer and discover a new way to enjoy your weekend.
The Carriages Experience
Carriages is an award-winning destination for fine dining, led by Chef Nick Briggs, who reflects years of experience at some of Britain’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Mastering the art of sourcing exceptional ingredients and transforming them into dishes that tell a story, his philosophy is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a deep respect for British culinary heritage.
FAQ’s
Why is The Sidings currently closed?
The Sidings is temporarily closed while we carry out essential maintenance and improvement works to our unique railway carriage venue. As with any heritage structure, ongoing care, investment and specialist maintenance are required to help protect what makes the venue so special for our guests and team.
Is The Sidings permanently closed?
No. The closure is temporary and forms part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the venue. We look forward to welcoming guests back once the works are complete.
When will The Sidings reopen?
At this time, we are unable to confirm a reopening date. We don’t want to provide a date that we may not be able to meet. We will share updates through our website and social media channels as soon as more information becomes available.
Has there been a health and safety issue?
No. The improvement works form part of our ongoing investment in the venue. We are proactively carrying out planned maintenance and enhancements to protect and preserve our unique railway carriage setting.
Why are the works taking place now?
Maintaining heritage assets requires periodic specialist work and investment. Undertaking these improvements now will help ensure the venue remains safe, comfortable and enjoyable for guests and staff for years to come.
What happens to my existing booking?
Our team is contacting guests with upcoming bookings to discuss their options. Depending on your reservation, this may include transferring your booking to one of our other onsite venues, moving it to a future date or discussing alternative arrangements.
Can I still enjoy Sidings food and drinks?
No. During the closure, The Sidings venue is closed. We have a number of other venues onsite that will be available during this closure.
Is Afternoon Tea still available?
Yes. Our popular Afternoon Tea experience remains available through Carriages and can be booked separately. Please visit our Afternoon Tea page for the latest availability and booking information.
Can I still visit Carriages Restaurant?
Absolutely. Carriages Restaurant remains open and continues to offer its seasonal menus, dining experiences and special events.
Is Alfresco Dining still available?
Yes. Guests can continue to enjoy our Alfresco dining experience, offering food and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Are your staff affected by the closure?
No. With multiple venues across the site our team remains busy and will continue welcoming guests across our other hospitality experiences during the improvement works.
How can I stay updated?
The best way to stay informed is by following our social media channels and checking this website for updates regarding the improvement works and reopening plans.
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Why is the venue based in railway carriages?
The unique character of The Sidings comes from its beautifully restored vintage railway carriages, which create a distinctive dining experience. Preserving these heritage features is a key reason why ongoing investment and specialist maintenance are so important.
Will The Sidings be the same when it reopens?
The works are being undertaken to protect, maintain and enhance the venue. Our aim is to preserve everything guests love about The Sidings while ensuring it continues to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Can I still buy a gift voucher?
Yes. Gift vouchers for Carriages experiences remain available and make a perfect gift for food lovers, afternoon tea enthusiasts and special occasions.
Can I book a private event?
Please contact our team directly on info@thesidingshereford.co.uk to discuss current availability across Carriages and our other hospitality experiences.
Where can I park?
Parking remains available at Whitestone Business Park for guests visiting our alternative dining experiences.